Method and apparatus for recording/reproducing information with respect to optical recording medium

ABSTRACT

A method and an apparatus are provided, which enable a user&#39;s standby time to be shortened or utilized effectively in the course of recording/reproduction of information with respect to an optical disk. Information recorded on a disk is reproduced preferentially, and after counting for a predetermined period of time, recording learning is conducted. Alternatively, management information is reproduced preferentially over recording learning, and recording learning is conducted while a user is confirming this information. Alternatively, the possibility of recording on a disk is identified, and reproduction preference or recording learning preference processing is conducted based the possibility. Alternatively, a rotation speed of a disk is controlled to be variable or constant, based on the possibility of recording.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus forrecording/reproducing information with respect to an optical recordingmedium by irradiating an optical recording medium, which has a thin filmincluding a recording layer on a substrate, with a high-energy beam suchas a laser beam. In particular, the present invention relates to amethod enabling information recorded on an optical recording medium tobe reproduced in a shorter period of time.

2. Description of the Related Art

Recently, optical recording media that allow information to berecorded/reproduced/deleted, and optical recording apparatuses thatrecord/reproduce information with respect to the optical recording mediahave been commercialized. Furthermore, rewritable optical recordingmedia with high density that allow animation of high quality to berecorded/reproduced, and optical recording apparatuses therefor havebeen studied and developed extensively. As a rewritable opticalrecording medium, a phase-change type optical recording medium is known,which has a chalcogenide thin film of Ge—Sb—Te, In—Sb—Te, or the like ona disk-shaped substrate with uneven tracks. A magneto-optical recordingmedium that has a metal thin film of Fe—Tb—Co or the like as a recordinglayer also is known.

In a phase-change type optical recording medium, for example, arecording thin film layer made of a phase-change material as describedabove is irradiated with a focused laser beam, whereby an irradiatedportion is heated locally to a predetermined temperature. The irradiatedportion shifts to a crystalline state when it reaches a crystallizationtemperature or higher, and it shifts to an amorphous state when itreaches a temperature exceeding a melting point, followed by rapidcooling. Either the amorphous state or the crystalline state is definedas a recording state or a deleting state (non-recording state), and anamorphous mark is formed on a medium with a pattern corresponding to aninformation signal, whereby recording is conducted. Furthermore, thechange in these states is reversible, so that information is recorded ordeleted repeatedly. The crystalline state and the amorphous state havedifferent optical characteristics. Therefore, a signal can be reproducedby optically detecting a change in reflectance or in transmittance,utilizing the difference in characteristics.

In a magneto-optical recording medium, for example, a magneto-opticalrecording thin film is irradiated with a focused laser beam, so as to beheated locally to a predetermined temperature. A magnetic field is addedto the film concurrently with heating, and a magnetization direction ofthe film is inverted in accordance with information, whereby informationis recorded or rewritten repeatedly.

Hereinafter, a conventional method for recording/reproducing informationwith respect to an optical recording medium with high density will bedescribed.

When an optical recording medium is loaded in an optical recordingapparatus, the optical recording medium starts rotating. Then, theoptical recording apparatus sets the laser power at reproduction power,and sets a servo condition for a laser beam to scan a track under afocus condition and a tracking condition for recording/reproducinginformation. In order to record information on the optical recordingmedium with optimum laser power, the power of a semiconductor laser isincreased or decreased previously to extract the optimum write power(power learning). Furthermore, according to a method for correcting arecording pulse train appropriately in accordance with an informationpattern to be recorded as suggested by JP 7-129959 A, an optimumrecording pulse condition is extracted (recording pulse learning). Whena series of operations is completed, the optical recording apparatusbecomes capable of recording/reproducing information with respect to theoptical recording medium, and information can be read from and recordedon the optical recording medium in accordance with a command from apersonal computer.

However, in the case where the optical recording medium is loaded in theoptical recording apparatus, and information is read from the opticalrecording medium as described above, the information starts being readonly after a series of learning steps such as power learning, recordingpulse learning, and servo learning is conducted and a host computer isinformed that the optical recording apparatus becomes available. Thus, alot of time is required for a series of learning steps. These learningsteps are likely to take a longer period of time in an optical recordingmedium ready for high-density recording. In some cases, for example,tens of seconds are required for extracting an optimum recordingcondition by learning. Thus, the conventional method has a problem inthat a user's waiting time (from loading an optical recording medium toreproducing data therefrom) becomes long.

Furthermore, during this waiting time, the user is just on standbywithout taking advantage of it.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, the present invention overcomes the above-mentioned problems,and its object is to shorten a user's standby time that has becomelonger along with the higher density of an optical recording medium.

Furthermore, it is another object of the present invention to utilize auser's standby time effectively.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned objects, the first opticalrecording/reproducing method of the present invention for opticallyrecording or reproducing information with respect to an opticalrecording medium by using an optical recording apparatus, includes: aloading step of loading the optical recording medium in the opticalrecording apparatus; a reproduction power setting step of setting thepower of laser light emitted from the optical recording apparatus to theoptical recording medium at reproduction power; a management informationreproduction step of reproducing management information for managinguser information recorded on the optical recording medium with laserlight having the reproduction power; and a recording learning step ofextracting a recording condition suitable for the optical recordingmedium, wherein the recording learning step is conducted after themanagement information reproduction step.

According to the above-mentioned method, a learning operation can beperformed while a user is confirming a directory and the like ofinformation recorded on an optical recording medium.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned objects, the second opticalrecording/reproducing method of the present invention for opticallyrecording or reproducing information with respect to an opticalrecording medium by using an optical recording apparatus, includes: aloading step of loading the optical recording medium in the opticalrecording apparatus; a reproduction power setting step of setting thepower of laser light emitted from the optical recording apparatus to theoptical recording medium at reproduction power; a preliminaryinformation reproduction step of reproducing preliminary informationrecorded on the optical recording medium with laser light having thereproduction power; a count-up step of starting count-up of a time aftercompletion of the preliminary information reproduction step; and arecording learning step of extracting a recording condition suitable forthe optical recording medium, wherein the recording learning step isconducted after a time counted up during the count-up step becomes atleast a predetermined time.

According to the above-mentioned method, a user's standby time can beshortened by conducting the count-up step.

According to the second optical recording/reproducing method, it ispreferable that, in the count-up step, count-up is continued unlessrecording or reproduction of user information is requested,

when recording of the user information is requested, a process proceedsto the recording learning step, and

when reproduction of the user information is requested, the processproceeds to a user information reproduction step of reproducing userinformation recorded on the optical recording medium with laser lighthaving the reproduction power, and after the user informationreproduction step, count-up of a time is restarted after the countedtime is reset.

Furthermore, it is preferable that the second opticalrecording/reproducing method further includes a recording learningpreference mode and a reproduction preference mode that are selectedalternatively, wherein, when the recording learning preference mode isselected, the process proceeds from the preliminary informationreproduction step to the recording learning step, and when thereproduction preference mode is selected, the process proceeds from thepreliminary information reproduction step to the count-up step.

Furthermore, it is preferable that, in the recording learning stepconducted after the count-up step, when reproduction of user informationis requested, the recording learning step is suspended, the processproceeds to a user information reproduction step of reproducing userinformation recorded on the optical recording medium, with laser lighthaving the reproduction power, and the recording learning step isrestarted after the user information reproduction step.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned objects, the third opticalrecording/reproducing method of the present invention for opticallyrecording or reproducing information with respect to an opticalrecording medium by using an optical recording apparatus, includes: aloading step of loading the optical recording medium in the opticalrecording apparatus; a reproduction power setting step of setting thepower of laser light emitted from the optical recording apparatus to theoptical recording medium at reproduction power; and a recordingpossibility identifying step of identifying the possibility of recordinginformation on the optical recording medium, based on a recordingidentifier,

wherein, when prohibition of recording is identified in the recordingpossibility identifying step, a process proceeds to a user informationreproduction step of reproducing user information recorded on theoptical recording medium, with laser light having the reproductionpower, or a reproduction standby step of waiting for a request forreproduction of the user information, and

when permission of recording is identified in the recording possibilityidentifying step, a management information reproduction step ofreproducing management information for managing user informationrecorded on the optical recording medium, with laser light having thereproduction power, and then a recording learning step of extracting arecording condition suitable for the optical recording medium areconducted.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned objects, the fourth opticalrecording/reproducing method of the present invention for opticallyrecording or reproducing information with respect to an opticalrecording medium by using an optical recording apparatus, includes:. aloading step of loading the optical recording medium in the opticalrecording apparatus; a reproduction power setting step of setting thepower of laser light emitted from the optical recording apparatus to theoptical recording medium at reproduction power; and a recordingpossibility identifying step of identifying the possibility of recordinginformation on the optical recording medium, based on a recordingidentifier,

wherein, when prohibition of recording is identified in the recordingpossibility identifying step, a process proceeds to a user informationreproduction step of reproducing user information recorded on theoptical recording medium, with laser light having the reproductionpower, or a reproduction standby step of waiting for a request forreproduction of the user information, and

when permission of recording is identified in the recording possibilityidentifying step, a preliminary information reproduction step ofreproducing preliminary information recorded on the optical recordingmedium, with laser light having the reproduction power, a count-up stepof starting count-up of a time after completion of the preliminaryinformation reproduction step, and a recording learning step ofextracting a recording condition suitable for the optical recordingmedium are conducted in this order, and the recording learning step isconducted after a time counted up during the count-up step becomes atleast a predetermined time.

According to the third and fourth optical recording/reproducing method,a user's standby time can be shortened or utilized effectively by usingthe determination in the recording possibility identifying step.

According to the third and fourth optical recording/reproducing method,it is preferable that the recording identifier is provided at theoptical recording medium. Alternatively, it is preferable that therecording identifier is provided at a case accommodating the opticalrecording medium. Alternatively, it is preferable that the recordingidentifier includes a first recording identifier provided at the opticalrecording medium and a second recording identifier provided at a caseaccommodating the optical recording medium.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned objects, the fifth opticalrecording/reproducing method of the present invention for opticallyrecording or reproducing information with respect to an opticalrecording medium by using an optical recording apparatus, includes: aloading step of loading the optical recording medium in the opticalrecording apparatus; a reproduction power setting step of setting thepower of laser light emitted from the optical recording apparatus to theoptical recording medium at reproduction power; a recording possibilityidentifying step of identifying the possibility of recording informationon the optical recording medium, based on a recording identifier; and arotation speed control step of controlling a rotation speed of theoptical recording medium, based on the identified possibility ofrecording,

wherein, when prohibition of recording is identified during therecording possibility identifying step, a mode of prescribing a rotationspeed of the optical recording medium to be constant is selected duringthe rotation speed control step, and

when permission of recording is identified during the recordingpossibility identifying step, a mode of controlling a rotation speed ofthe optical recording medium for each region so as to alleviate thedifference in scanning speed of the laser light in a plurality ofregions partitioned based on a distance from a rotation center of theoptical recording medium is selected during the rotation speed controlstep.

According to the above-mentioned method, the rotation speed control stepis conducted in a required range by using the determination in therecording possibility identifying step. Furthermore, the frequency ofaltering the rotation speed during reproduction becomes low, which canshorten the search time of an arbitrary track. This results in adecrease in user's standby time.

According to the fifth optical recording/reproducing method, it ispreferable that, when permission of recording is identified during therecording possibility identifying step, a rotation speed of the opticalrecording medium is controlled for each of the regions so that ascanning speed of laser light becomes substantially the same in theplurality of regions.

Furthermore, it is preferable that, when prohibition of recording isidentified during the recording possibility identifying step, a userinformation reproduction step of reproducing user information recordedon the optical recording medium, with laser light having thereproduction power, or a reproduction standby step of waiting for arequest for reproduction of the user information is conducted, and

when permission of recording is identified during the recordingpossibility identifying step, a management information reproduction stepof reproducing management information for managing user informationrecorded on the optical recording medium, with laser light having thereproduction power, and a recording learning step of extracting arecording condition suitable for the optical recording medium arefurther conducted in this order.

Furthermore, it is preferable that, when prohibition of recording isidentified during the recording possibility identifying step, a userinformation reproduction step of reproducing user information recordedon an optical recording medium, with laser light having the reproductionpower, or a reproduction standby step of waiting for a request forreproduction of the user information is further conducted, and

when permission of recording is identified during the recordingpossibility identifying step, a preliminary information reproductionstep of reproducing preliminary information recorded on the opticalrecording medium, with laser light having the reproduction power, acount-up step of starting count-up of a time after completion of thepreliminary information reproduction step, and a recording learning stepof extracting a recording condition suitable for the optical recordingmedium are conducted in this order, and the recording learning step isfurther conducted when a time counted up during the count-up stepbecomes at least a predetermined time.

According to the above-mentioned preferred embodiments, a user's standbytime can be further shortened or utilized effectively.

Furthermore, it is preferable that the recording learning step is atleast one selected from the group consisting of a recording powerlearning step of extracting laser emission power suitable for theoptical recording medium, a recording pulse learning step of extractinga recording pulse condition suitable for the optical recording medium, arecording servo learning step of extracting a servo condition suitablefor the optical recording medium during recording, a groove parameterlearning step of determining a groove parameter of the optical recordingmedium, and an equalizing amount learning step of determining anequalizing amount with respect to the optical recording medium.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned objects, the first opticalrecording apparatus of the present invention for optically recording orreproducing information with respect to an optical recording medium,includes: loading means for loading the optical recording medium; anoptical head for emitting laser light to the loaded optical recordingmedium; reproduction power setting means for setting the power of thelaser light at reproduction power; information reproduction means forreproducing information recorded on the optical recording medium, withlaser light having the reproduction power; recording learning means forextracting a recording condition suitable for the optical recordingmedium; and control means for allowing the information reproductionmeans to reproduce management information for managing user informationrecorded on the optical recording medium, and then, operating therecording learning means.

According to the above-mentioned structure, the learning operation canbe performed while a user is confirming a directory and the like ofinformation recorded on an optical recording medium.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned objects, the second opticalrecording apparatus of the present invention for optically recording orreproducing information with respect to an optical recording medium,includes: loading means for loading the optical recording medium; anoptical head for emitting laser light to the loaded optical recordingmedium; reproduction power setting means for setting the power of thelaser light at reproduction power; information reproduction means forreproducing information recorded on the optical recording medium, withlaser light having the reproduction power; count-up means for startingcount-up of a time after completion of a reproduction operation ofpreliminary information recorded on the optical recording medium by theinformation reproduction means; recording learning means for extractinga recording condition suitable for the optical recording medium; andcontrol means for operating the recording learning means after a timecounted up by the count-up means becomes at least a predetermined time.

According to the above-mentioned structure, a user's standby time can beshortened by utilizing the count-up means.

In the second optical recording apparatus, it is preferable that, duringan operation of the count-up means, the control means allows theoperation of the count-up means to continue unless recording orreproduction of user information is requested,

when recording of the user information is requested, the control meansoperates the recording learning means, and

when reproduction of the user information is requested, the controlmeans allows the information reproduction means to reproduce informationrecorded on the optical recording medium with laser light having thereproduction power, and restarts the operation of the count-up meansafter resetting of a time counted up by the count-up means aftercompletion of the operation of the information reproduction means.

Furthermore, it is preferable that the second optical recordingapparatus further includes preferential mode selection means forselecting a recording learning preference mode and a reproductionpreference mode alternatively,

when the recording learning preference mode is selected by thepreferential mode selection means, the control means operates therecording learning means after completion of a reproduction operation ofthe preliminary information by the information reproduction means, and

when the reproduction preference mode is selected by the preferentialmode selection means, the control means operates the count-up meansafter completion of the reproduction operation by the informationreproduction means.

Furthermore, it is preferable that, during an operation of the recordinglearning means after an operation of the count-up means, whenreproduction of user information is requested, the control meanssuspends the operation of the recording learning means to operate theinformation reproduction means, and restarts the operation of therecording learning means after completion of the operation of theinformation reproduction means.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned objects, the third opticalrecording apparatus of the present invention for optically recording orreproducing information with respect to an optical recording medium,includes: loading means for loading the optical recording medium; anoptical head for emitting laser light to the loaded optical recordingmedium; reproduction power setting means for setting the power of thelaser light at reproduction power; recording possibility identifyingmeans for identifying the possibility of recording information on theoptical recording medium based on a recording identifier; informationreproduction means for reproducing information recorded on the opticalrecording medium with laser light having the reproduction power;recording learning means for extracting a recording condition suitablefor the optical recording medium; and control means for, whenprohibition of recording is identified by the recording possibilityidentifying means, operating the information reproduction meansimmediately after completion of operations of the recording possibilityidentifying means and the reproduction power setting means, or inresponse to a request for reproduction of the information aftercompletion of operations of the recording possibility identifying meansand the reproduction power setting means, and, when permission ofrecording is identified by the recording possibility identifying means,after completion of operations of the reproduction power setting meansand the recording possibility identifying means, allowing theinformation reproduction means to reproduce management information formanaging user information recorded on the optical recording medium, andthen, operating the recording learning means.

Furthermore, in order to achieve the above-mentioned objects, the fourthoptical recording apparatus of the present invention for opticallyrecording or reproducing information with respect to an opticalrecording medium, includes: loading means for loading the opticalrecording medium; an optical head for emitting laser light to the loadedoptical recording medium; reproduction power setting means for settingthe power of the laser light at reproduction power; recordingpossibility identifying means for identifying the possibility ofrecording information on the optical recording medium based on arecording identifier; information reproduction means for reproducinginformation recorded on the optical recording medium with laser lighthaving the reproduction power; count-up means for starting count-up of atime after completion of an operation of the information reproductionmeans; recording learning means for extracting a recording conditionsuitable for the optical recording medium; and control means for, whenprohibition of recording is identified by the recording possibilityidentifying means, operating the information reproduction meansimmediately after completion of operations of the recording possibilityidentifying means and the reproduction power setting means, or inresponse to a request for reproduction of the information aftercompletion of operations of the recording possibility identifying meansand the reproduction power setting means, and when permission ofrecording is identified by the recording possibility identifying means,allowing the information reproduction means to reproduce preliminaryinformation recorded on the optical recording medium after completion ofoperations of the recording possibility identifying means and thereproduction power setting means, operating the count-up means aftercompletion of an operation of the information reproduction means, andoperating the recording learning means after a time counted up by thecount-up means becomes at least a predetermined time.

According to the third and fourth optical recording apparatus, a user'sstandby time can be shortened or utilized effectively by using thedetermination by the recording possibility identifying means.

It is preferable that, in the third and fourth optical recordingapparatus, the recording identifier is provided at the optical recordingmedium. Alternatively, it is preferable that the recording identifier isprovided at a case accommodating the optical recording medium.Alternatively, it is preferable that the recording identifier includes afirst recording identifier provided at the optical recording medium anda second recording identifier provided at a case accommodating theoptical recording medium.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned objects, the fifth opticalrecording apparatus of the present invention for optically recording orreproducing information with respect to an optical recording medium,includes: loading means for loading the optical recording medium; anoptical head for emitting laser light to the loaded optical recordingmedium; reproduction power setting means for setting the power of thelaser light at reproduction power; recording possibility identifyingmeans for identifying the possibility of recording information on theoptical recording medium based on a recording identifier; informationreproduction means for reproducing information recorded on the opticalrecording medium with laser light having the reproduction power;rotation speed control means for controlling a rotation speed of theoptical recording medium; and control means for, when prohibition ofrecording is identified by the recording possibility identifying means,selecting a mode of allowing the rotation speed control means to controla rotation speed of the optical recording medium to be constant, andwhen permission of recording is identified by the recording possibilityidentifying means, selecting a mode of allowing the rotation speedcontrol means to control a rotation speed of the optical recordingmedium for each region so as to alleviate the difference in scanningspeed of the laser light in a plurality of regions of the opticalrecording medium partitioned based on a distance from a rotation center.

According to the above-mentioned structure, the operation of therotation speed control means is conducted in a required range by usingthe determination by the recording possibility identifying means.Furthermore, the frequency of altering the rotation speed duringreproduction becomes low, which can shorten the search time of anarbitrary track. This results in a decrease in the user's standby time.

It is preferable that, in the fifth optical recording apparatus, whenpermission of recording is identified by the recording possibilityidentifying means, the control means controls a rotation speed of theoptical recording medium for each region so that a scanning speed oflaser light in a plurality of regions becomes substantially the same.

Furthermore, it is preferable that, when prohibition of recording isidentified by the recording possibility identifying means, the controlmeans operates the information reproduction means immediately aftercompletion of an operation of the rotation speed control means, or inresponse to a request for reproduction of the information aftercompletion of an operation of the rotation speed control means, and

when permission of recording is identified by the recording possibilityidentifying means, after completion of an operation of the rotationspeed control means, the control means allows the informationreproduction means to reproduce management information for managing userinformation recorded on the optical recording medium, and operatingrecording learning means for extracting a recording condition suitablefor the optical recording means.

Furthermore, it is preferable that, when prohibition of recording isidentified by the recording possibility identifying means, the controlmeans operates the information reproduction means immediately aftercompletion of an operation of the rotation speed control means, or inresponse to a request for reproduction of the information aftercompletion of an operation of the rotation speed control means, and

when permission of recording is identified by the recording possibilityidentifying means, the control means allows the information reproductionmeans to reproduce preliminary information recorded on the opticalrecording medium after completion of an operation of the rotation speedcontrol means, operates the count-up means after completion of anoperation of the information reproduction means, and operates recordinglearning means for extracting a recording condition suitable for theoptical recording medium after a time counted up by the count-up meansbecomes at least a predetermined time.

According to the above-mentioned preferred embodiments, a user's standbytime can be further shortened or utilized effectively.

Furthermore, it is preferable that the recording learning means is atleast one selected from the group consisting of recording power learningmeans for extracting laser emission power suitable for the opticalrecording medium, recording pulse learning means for extracting arecording pulse condition suitable for the optical recording medium,recording servo learning means for extracting a servo condition suitablefor the optical recording medium during recording, groove parameterlearning means for determining a groove parameter of the opticalrecording medium, and equalizing amount learning means for determiningan equalizing amount with respect to the optical recording medium.

As described above, according to the above-mentioned method andstructure, the recording learning step is conducted after a directorycontent and the like of recorded information is transferred to a hostcomputer, whereby a learning operation can be performed while a user isconfirming the directory content and the like of recorded information onthe host computer side. Therefore, a user's standby time involved in aseries of recording learning steps can be shortened to be substantiallynegligible.

Furthermore, information recorded on an optical recording medium isreproduced preferentially, and recording learning is conducted after apredetermined standby time. This allows a reproduction operation to beperformed preferentially, and substantially shortens a period of timerequired for enabling information to be reproduced from the opticalrecording medium. Furthermore, because of the function of conductingrecording learning after a predetermined period of time, a usersubstantially can ignore a time for recording learning.

Furthermore, when recording on an optical recording medium isprohibited, a series of recording learning steps required for recording,rewriting, and deleting information are omitted. Therefore, an opticalrecording apparatus is put in a standby state for reproducinginformation in a short period of time.

Particularly in the case of a write-protected optical recording medium,even when a light beam moves in a radial direction of the opticalrecording medium during reproduction, a rotation speed becomes constant.Alternatively, the frequency of altering a rotation speed is decreased,so that a time required for altering a rotation speed can be shortened.

These and other advantages of the present invention will become apparentto those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the followingdetailed description with reference to the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a structure of an optical recordingapparatus in Embodiment 1 according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing a procedure of an opticalrecording/reproducing method in Embodiment 1 according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing a procedure of an opticalrecording/reproducing method in Embodiment 2 according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing a procedure of a modified opticalrecording/reproducing method in Embodiment 2 according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a structure of an optical recordingapparatus in Embodiment 3 according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing a procedure of an opticalrecording/reproducing method in Embodiment 3 according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 7 is a view showing a schematic structure of an optical diskapparatus (optical disk and case) used in Embodiment 4 according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing a procedure of an opticalrecording/reproducing method with respect to the optical disk apparatusshown in FIG. 7.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, the optical recording/reproducing method and opticalrecording apparatus of the present invention will be described by way ofpreferred embodiments with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1)

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic structure of an opticalrecording apparatus in the present embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 1, an optical recording medium 11 (optical disk) isloaded in an optical recording apparatus 1 via a clamp 23. The opticaldisk 11 is accommodated in a case (cartridge) for protection of itssurface. An optical head 13 focuses light emitted from a built-insemiconductor laser 131 onto the optical disk 11. The optical head 13also guides light reflected from the optical disk 11 to a built-inphotodetector 132, and converts the light into an electric signal foroutput. The photodetector 132 is designed as a 2-divided photodetectordisposed in such a manner that a dividing line is in parallel with atrack of the optical disk 11 (i.e., directed so as to detect a push-pulltracking error signal).

Furthermore, the optical recording apparatus 1 includes a recordingpulse generation circuit 14 for generating a recording pulse inaccordance with information to be recorded, and a laser driver 15 forirradiating the optical disk 11 with laser light at a predeterminedemission power in response to an output signal from the recording pulsegeneration circuit 14. In reproducing information, the laser driver 15allows the semiconductor laser 131 in the optical head 13 to emit D.C.light at set reproduction laser power. In recording information, thelaser driver 15 allows the semiconductor laser 131 to emit pulsed lightat set recording laser power in response to a servo clock (SCLK)supplied from a phase-locked loop (PLL) circuit 175 (described later).

A servo processor 16 allows a spindle driver 25 to drive a spindle motor24, thereby rotating the optical disk 11 loaded via the clamp 23 at aconstant linear velocity (CLV) or a constant angular velocity (CAV).

The servo processor 16 also controls focusing of a light beam byallowing an actuator driver 26 to drive an objective lens actuator (notshown) in the optical head 13 in a direction parallel to an emissiondirection of a light beam, based on error information such as a focuserror signal (FE) and a tracking error signal (TE) detected from theoptical disk 11. Similarly, the servo processor 16 controls tracking ofa light beam by allowing the actuator driver 26 to drive the objectivelens actuator in a direction parallel to a radial direction of theoptical disk.

Furthermore, the servo processor 16 allows a traverse driver 27 to drivea traverse motor 28 that moves the entire optical head 13 in a radialdirection, thereby controlling a positional movement of the entireoptical head 13. The servo processor 16 also allows a tilt driver 29 todrive a tilt actuator (not shown) connected to the optical head 13,thereby controlling a radial tilt position and a tangential tiltposition of the optical head 13.

A reproduction circuit 17 demodulates light reflected from the opticaldisk 11 to an information signal. The reproduction circuit 17 includes:a preamplifier 171 for amplifying respective optical current signalsobtained from the 2-divided photodetector 132 in the optical head 13 byaddition and subtraction, and outputting an addition signal (SA) and asubtraction signal (SD) to a low-pass filter (LPF) 172 (described later)and a controller 18 (described later), respectively; an LPF 172 forremoving a harmonic component from the addition signal SA supplied fromthe preamplifier 171; an equalizer (EQ) 173 for equalizing the waveformof a signal that has been filtered by the LPF 172 with a predeterminedequalizing amount set by the controller 18 (described later); adigitization circuit 174 for converting an analog information signal toa pulse information signal by a comparator or the like; a PLL circuit175 for, in synchronization with a pulse signal from the digitizationcircuit 174, multiplying its frequency to generate a servo clock; and ademodulation circuit 176 for demodulating a modulated pulse informationsignal from the digitization circuit 174 based on a servo clockgenerated in the PLL circuit 175 to output the demodulated signal to thecontroller 18 (described later).

The controller 18 controls a series of operations in the recording pulsegeneration circuit 14, the laser driver 15, the servo processor 16, andthe reproduction circuit 17, and communicates with an external hostcomputer to transmit/receive information to be recorded and reproduced.

The controller 18 is connected to a timer 20 and a preferential modeselection switch 21, operations of which will be described in laterembodiments.

Furthermore, the controller 18 is supplied with an output from a jitterdetection circuit 22. The jitter detection circuit 22 receives a pulseinformation signal from the digitization circuit 174 and a servo clockfrom the PLL circuit 175 in the reproduction circuit 17 to detect ajitter amount in the detected information signal. The jitter detectioncircuit 22 is used for determining optimum recording power in recordingpower learning; an optimum recording pulse width, an optimumfore-and-aft edge position, an optimum leading and trailing edge pulseposition and the like in recording pulse learning; an optimum focusposition, an optimum tracking position, an optimum radial tilt position,and an optimum tangential tilt position in recording servo learning; agroove parameter in groove parameter learning of the optical disk 11,and an optimum equalizing amount set in the EQ 173 in equalizing amountlearning, which will be described later.

A procedure of an optical recording/reproducing method by the opticalrecording apparatus 1 constructed as above will be described withreference to a flow chart in FIG. 2.

In an optical disk loading step 201 shown in FIG. 2, when the case 12accommodating the optical disk 11 is inserted into the optical recordingapparatus 1 and loaded onto the clamp 23, the controller 18 outputs acommand for driving a spindle to the servo processor 16. Then, the servoprocessor 16 allows the spindle driver 25 to drive the spindle motor 24so as to rotate the optical disk 11 at a predetermined rotation rate.

In a reproduction light power setting step 202, the laser driver 15 isput in a reproduction mode, and sets the irradiation intensity of alight beam from the semiconductor laser 131 built in the optical head 13at reproduction power. In a reproduction servo learning step 203, thecontroller 18 outputs a search command to the servo processor 16. Theservo processor 16 allows the actuator driver 26 to drive the objectivelens actuator (not shown) in the optical head 13, and reproductiontracking position learning and reproduction focus position learningrequired for a light beam to reproduce a previously recorded region inthe optical disk 11 are conducted.

Next, the controller 18 outputs a command for traverse drive to theservo processor 16. The servo processor 16 allows the traverse driver 27to drive the traverse motor 28, and moves the optical head 13 to apredetermined position so as to reproduce management information (e.g.,a FAT region of MS-DOS and Windows, a directory, or folder information)in which positional information and the like of data recorded on theoptical disk 11 are recorded.

In a management information reproduction step 204, the reproductioncircuit 17 demodulates an output signal from the photodetector 132 builtin the optical head 13 to a management information signal. Thedemodulated signal is sent to the host computer 19 via the controller18. More specifically, in the step 204, a user can confirm a directoryand the like of information recorded on the optical disk 11 via adisplay (not shown) connected to the host computer 19.

During user's confirmation, a recording learning step is conducted. Therecording learning step includes a recording servo learning step 205, arecording power learning step 206, a recording pulse learning step 207,a groove parameter learning step 208, and an equalizing amount learningstep 209.

The recording servo learning step 205 includes a recording focusposition learning step, a recording tracking position learning step, arecording radial tilt position learning step, and a recording tangentialposition learning step.

In the recording focus position and recording tracking position learningsteps, the servo processor 16 receives a command from the controller 18,and allows the traverse driver 27 to drive the traverse motor 28,thereby moving the optical head 13 to a test recording region providedon an inner peripheral side, an outer peripheral side, or both the innerperipheral side and the outer peripheral side, other than a userinformation recording region. Then, the servo processor 16 allows theactuator driver 26 to drive the objective lens actuator (not shown) inthe optical head 13, thereby conducting test recording while changing afocus position and a tracking position and reproducing a signal from thetest recording region. The jitter detection circuit 22 measures a jitteramount of the reproduced signal, and an optimum focus position and anoptimum tracking position are determined where the jitter amount is aminimum or a predetermined value or less.

In the recording radial tilt position and recording tangential positionlearning steps, the servo processor 16 receives a command from thecontroller 18, and allows the tilt driver 29 to drive the tilt actuator(not shown) connected to the optical head 13. Thus, test recording inthe test recording region is conducted while changing a radial tiltposition and a tangential tilt position, and a signal from the testrecording region is reproduced. The jitter detection circuit 22 measuresa jitter amount as the quality of the reproduced signal, and an optimumradial tilt position and an optimum tangential tilt position aredetermined where the jitter amount becomes minimum or a predeterminedvalue or less.

When the recording servo learning step 205 is completed as describedabove, the process proceeds to the recording power learning step 206.

In the recording power learning step 206, the servo processor 16receives a command from the controller 18, and allows the traversedriver 27 to drive the traverse motor 28, thereby moving the opticalhead 13 to the test recording region. Then, the controller 18 allows thelaser driver 15 to change the irradiation intensity of laser light instages for test recording. The laser driver 15 is put in a reproductionmode, and the optical head 13 reproduces the test recording region. Thejitter detection circuit 22 measures a jitter amount as the quality ofthe reproduced signal, and a recording region is extracted where thejitter amount is minimum or a predetermined value or less to set laserlight irradiation intensity used for recording an extraction region asoptimum recording power.

In the recording pulse learning step 207, the servo processor 16receives a command from the controller 18, and allows the traversedriver 27 to drive the traverse motor 28, thereby moving the opticalhead 13 to the test recording region. Then, the controller 18 allows therecording pulse generation circuit 4 to change a recording pulse width,a fore-to-aft edge position, or a leading and trailing edge pulseposition in stages for test recording. Then, the laser driver 15 is putin a reproduction mode, and the optical head 13 reproduces the testrecording region. The jitter detection circuit 22 measures a jitteramount as the quality of the reproduced signal, and a recording regionis extracted where the jitter amount is minimum or a predetermined valueor less to set a recording pulse used for recording the extractionregion as an optimum recording pulse.

In the groove parameter learning step 208, the servo processor 16receives a command from the controller 18, and allows the traversedriver 27 to drive the traverse motor 28, thereby moving the opticalhead 13 to the test recording region for test recording. Then, switchingto a reproduction mode is done by the controller 18. Then, thecontroller 18 receives a subtraction signal (SD) amplified by thepreamplifier 171 from the 2-divided photodetector 132, and memorizes awobble pit amplitude in a track during test recording. The presence offingerprints and contamination on the optical disk 11 is detected basedon the wobble pit amplitude, and a set value of recording power iscorrected.

The groove parameter learning step 208 may be replaced by another methodas long as an index indicating a groove shape can be obtained.

In the equalizing amount learning step 209, the servo processor 16receives a command from the controller 18, and allows the traversedriver 27 to drive the traverse motor 28, thereby moving the opticalhead 13 to the test recording region for test recording. Then, switchingto a reproduction mode is done by the controller 18. A reproduced signalis received while changing an equalizing amount (e.g., a boost amount)set for the equalizer (EQ) 173. The jitter detection circuit 22 measuresa jitter amount as the quality of the reproduced signal, and an optimumequalizing amount is determined where the jitter amount becomes minimumor a predetermined value or less.

In the above-mentioned recording learning step, the jitter detectioncircuit 22 measures a jitter amount of a reproduced signal to determinean optimum recording condition. However, a method for detecting a biterror rate may be used.

After the above-mentioned steps, the optical recording apparatus 1 isput in a standby state for recording/reproducing actual userinformation, and it becomes capable of reproducing, additionallyrecording, rewriting, and deleting a content recorded on the opticaldisk 11.

As described above, according to the procedure shown in FIG. 2, when theoptical disk 11 is loaded in the optical recording apparatus 1, first, adirectory content of information recorded on the optical disk 11 isallowed to be reproduced, and the information is transferredpreferentially to the host computer. Thereafter, the recording servolearning step 205, the recording power learning step 206, the recordingpulse learning step 207, the groove parameter learning step 208, and theequalizing amount learning step 209 are conducted. More specifically, alearning operation can be conducted while a user is confirming thedirectory of recorded information on the host computer 19 side.Therefore, a user substantially can ignore a time loss involved in aseries of recording learning steps.

(Embodiment 2)

An optical recording/reproducing method will be described with referenceto FIG. 3, in which recording learning is conducted, following standbyfor a predetermined period of time after reproduction becomes possible.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing a procedure of an opticalrecording/reproducing method in the present embodiment. As an opticalrecording apparatus that functions in accordance with the procedure inFIG. 3, the optical recording apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 can be used.In the present embodiment, a timer 20 for counting a standby time isalso used. In FIG. 3, the same operations as those in Embodiment 1 areperformed from the optical disk loading step 201 to the reproductionservo learning step 203; therefore, the description thereof is omittedhere.

In a lead-in reproduction step 301, the optical head 13 reproduces alead-in region provided on the optical disk 11 where the information onthe kind and a reproduction condition of the optical disk 11 isrecorded. Herein, the information recorded in the lead-in region isreferred to as preliminary information.

In a reproduction standby determination step 302, it is determinedwhether or not further information is reproduced after the preliminaryinformation in the lead-in region is reproduced. When reproduction issuspended (No) based on the determination, the process proceeds to aninformation recording determination step 305. When it is determined inthe information recording determination step 305 that the host computer19 does not request recording, a counter of the timer 20 is set in acounter-set step 306, and counts up a standby time t. When it isdetermined in the standby time determination step 307 that the standbytime t thus counted up is shorter than a predetermined reference standbytime T (No), a count-up step formed of a processing loop (steps 302,305, 306, and 307) is repeated. On the other hand, when the standby timet is equal to or longer than a predetermined reference standby time T(Yes), the recording learning step 310 is conducted, and the opticaldisk 11 is put in a standby state for recording/reproducing information.

When reproduction of information is continued in the reproductionstandby determination step 302 (Yes), the process proceeds to aninformation reproduction step 303. In the information reproduction step303, the optical head 13 is moved so as to reproduce informationrecorded on the optical disk 11. In this case, management information ofthe optical disk 11 or data information may be reproduced as describedin Embodiment 1. In a counter-reset step 304, the timer 20 counting astandby time is reset.

Next, the case will be described where it is determined in theinformation recording determination step 305 that the host computer 19requests recording. In a recording learning step 308, the recordinglearning as described in Embodiment 1 (Steps 205, 206, 207, 208, and209) is conducted, and recording power, a recording pulse, a trackingposition, a focus position, a radial tilt position, a tangential tiltposition, a groove parameter, and an equalizing amount for recordinginformation on the optical disk 11 are set in an optimal manner. In aninformation recording step 309, information from the host computer 19 isrecorded on the optical disk 11, and the optical recording apparatus 1is put in a standby state for recording/reproducing information.

As described above, according to the procedure in FIG. 3, when theoptical disk 11 is loaded in the optical recording apparatus 1,information recorded on the optical disk 11 is reproducedpreferentially, and after standby for a predetermined period of time,recording learning is conducted. As a result of this procedure,reproduction is conducted preferentially in the optical recordingapparatus 1, and hence, a period of time for enabling information on theoptical disk 11 to be reproduced is shortened substantially.Furthermore, a period of time for recording learning can be ignoredsubstantially by a user due to the function of recording learning aftera predetermined period of time.

The case has been described where the recording learning step 310 isconducted when a time counted in the count-up step becomes apredetermined reference standby time T or longer. However, whenreproduction of information is requested in the course of the recordinglearning step 310, the recording learning step 310 may be suspended toreproduce information preferentially. In this case, information can bereproduced immediately by suspending recording learning, so that aperiod of time required before a user confirms information can beshortened.

The mode has been described in which the lead-in reproduction step 310is followed by standby for a predetermined period of time. However, itmay be possible that a preferential mode selection switch 21 is providedin the optical recording apparatus 1 as shown in FIG. 1, whereby a modeof conducting a reproduction function preferentially and a mode ofconducting a recording function preferentially may be selected. In thiscase, it is preferable that, for example, as shown in the flow chart inFIG. 4, a reproduction preference function mode determination step 311is conducted after the lead-in reproduction step 310. In this case, aportion represented by A in FIG. 3 is replaced by a portion representedby B in FIG. 4.

As shown in FIG. 4, when it is determined in the reproduction preferencefunction mode determination step 311 that the preferential modeselection switch 21 is set in a recording preference mode (recordinglearning preference mode) (No), the count-up step is omitted, and theprocess proceeds to the recording learning step 310. In this step,recording power, a tracking position, a focus position, a radial tiltposition, a tangential tilt position, a groove parameter, and anequalizing amount are set in an optimal manner. This step is followed bya standby state for recording/reproducing information.

On the other hand, when it is determined in the reproduction preferencefunction mode determination step 311 that the preferential modeselection switch 21 is set in a reproduction preference mode (Yes), eachstep in a range represented by A in FIG. 3 is conducted. Morespecifically, a case where it is desired to record informationpreferentially and a case where it is desired to reproduce informationpreferentially are selected, and a standby state can be obtained aftersteps suitable for the selected mode.

(Embodiment 3)

An optical recording apparatus and an optical recording/reproducingmethod will be described in the case where an identifier for identifyingwhether an optical disk is recordable or write-protected is provided.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a schematic structure of an opticalrecording apparatus in Embodiment 3 according to the present inventionthat records/reproduces information with respect to an optical diskprovided with an identifier for identifying whether an optical disk isrecordable or write-protected. The components denoted by the samereference numerals as those in Embodiment 1 have structures andfunctions similar to those therein; therefore, the description thereofwill be omitted here.

Referring to FIG. 5, an optical disk 41 is loaded in an opticalrecording apparatus 2. The optical disk 41 is accommodated in a case 42for protection of its surface. The case 42 has an identifier hole 43.The identifier hole 43 is opened or closed by a slide 47. It is assumedin the present embodiment that the identifier hole 43 is closed whenrecording is possible (permitted), and it is opened when recording isimpossible (prohibited).

A light-emitting diode 44 is disposed in the optical recording apparatus2 in such a manner as to be positioned above the identifier hole 43,when the optical disk 41 is loaded in the optical recording apparatus 2.A photodetector 45 is disposed opposing the light-emitting diode 44 withthe case 42 therebetween.

When the case 42 accommodating the optical disk 41 is loaded in theoptical recording apparatus 2, the controller 18 outputs a signal L1 toallow the light-emitting diode 44 to emit light. Light emitted by thelight-emitting diode 44 is incident upon the photodetector 45 throughthe identifier hole 43, and converted into an electric signal L2. Arecording possibility determination circuit 46 detects the signal L1that turns on/off the light-emitting diode 44 and the signal L2 from thephotodetector 45 to determine the possibility of recording, and outputsa determination result output signal L3 to the controller 18.

Next, a procedure of recording/reproducing information with respect tothe optical disk 41 by the optical recording apparatus 2 will bedescribed with reference to the flow chart in FIG. 6.

In an optical disk loading step 500 shown in FIG. 6, when the opticaldisk 41 is inserted into the optical recording apparatus 2 and loadedonto the clamp 23, the controller 18 outputs a drive command to theservo Processor 16. The servo processor 16 allows the spindle driver 25to drive the spindle motor 24, thereby rotating the optical disk 41 at apredetermined rotation rate. In a reproduction light power setting step501, the laser driver 15 is put in a reproduction mode, and sets theirradiation intensity of laser light at reproduction power. In arecording possibility determination step 502, it is determined based onthe information obtained in the recording possibility determinationcircuit 46 whether or not the optical disk 41 is recordable orwrite-protected.

When it is determined in the recording possibility determination step502 that recording onto the optical disk 41 is prohibited (Yes), theprocess proceeds to an information reproduction step 503, and thereproduction circuit 17 demodulates a signal from the optical head 13into an information signal. Then, the demodulated signal is sent to thehost computer 19 via the controller 18. Thereafter, the opticalrecording apparatus 2 is put in a standby state for receiving asubsequent command from the host computer 19. Because of this, in thehost computer 19, information recorded on the optical disk 41 can bedisplayed, and a user can confirm the content of the informationrecorded on the optical disk 41.

On the other hand, when it is determined in the recording possibilitydetermination step 502 that the optical disk 41 is recordable (No), theprocess proceeds to a test region seek step 504. Then, the servoprocessor 16 allows the traverse driver 27 to drive the traverse motor28, in response to a command from the controller 18, and moves theoptical head 13 to a test region in the optical disk 41. Then, in arecording learning step 505, for example, recording learning operationssimilar to the steps 205, 206, 207, 208, and 209 described in Embodiment1 are conducted. Then, the process returns to a standby state forrecording/reproducing user information, after the informationreproduction step 503.

Due to the above-mentioned procedure, when the optical disk 41 is in awrite protection state, the recording servo learning step 205, therecording power learning step 206, the recording pulse learning step207, the groove parameter learning step 208, and the equalizing amountlearning step 209, required for recording, rewriting, and deletinginformation, are omitted. Therefore, the optical recording apparatus 2is put in a standby state for reproducing information in a short periodtime.

In the above description, when it is determined in the recordingpossibility determination step 502 that recording is possible, theoptical recording apparatus 2 is operated in the order of the steps 504,505 and 503. However, the optical recording apparatus 2 may be operatedin the order of the steps 204 through 209 as described in Embodiment 1.In this case, even when the optical disk 41 is recordable, the directorycontent of management information recorded on the optical disk 41 firstbecomes reproducible. This information is transferred to the hostcomputer 19 preferentially, and thereafter, a recording learning step isconducted. Accordingly, a learning operation can be conducted while auser is confirming a directory of recorded information on the hostcomputer side. More specifically, a learning operation can be conductedwhile a user is confirming the directory of recorded information on thehost computer side.

Alternatively, when it is determined in the recording possibilitydetermination step 502 that recording is possible, the optical recordingapparatus 2 may be operated in accordance with the procedure representedby A in FIG. 3. In this case, information recorded on the optical disk41 is reproduced preferentially, and recording learning is conductedafter standby for a predetermined period of time. As a result of thisprocedure, the optical recording apparatus 2 reproduces informationpreferentially, which substantially shortens a period of time requiredfor the optical disk 41 to become reproducible. Furthermore, due to thefunction of conducting recording learning after a predetermined periodof time, a period of time for recording learning becomes substantiallynegligible to a user.

In the present embodiment, the identifier hole 43 is provided at thecase 42 as a recording identifier. However, another structure may beused as long as the possibility of recording of the case can beidentified.

Furthermore, with an optical disk having no case, it is possible thatrecording possibility information is recorded as a recording identifierin a region on the optical disk, and the optical head 13 is moved to theregion upon loading of the optical disk to reproduce recordingpossibility information for determination of the recording possibility.

Furthermore, the following may be possible: a recording identifier isprovided at a case and an optical disk, and the presence of the case isdetermined; when there is no case, recording possibility informationrecorded in a region on the optical disk is detected. In this case,irrespective of the presence of the case, recording possibility can bedetermined.

(Embodiment 4)

An optical recording/reproducing method will be described in thefollowing case: tracks on circumferences are divided into a plurality ofregions depending upon a radial position, an optical disk is rotated forrecording at a rotation speed (rotation rate) where an angular velocityis different depending upon a region to which tracks to be recordedbelong, and angular velocity becomes constant in one region, and arecording identifier is provided at a case.

FIG. 7 is a view showing a schematic structure of an optical diskapparatus (optical disk and case) used in the present embodiment.

In FIG. 7, an optical disk 60 is accommodated in a case 61 forprotection. The case 61 may be provided with a recording identifier 62that can be opened/closed for identifying whether or not recording onthe optical disk 60 is prohibited, in the same way as in Embodiment 3.The optical disk 60 is divided into a plurality of regions.

FIG. 7 shows an example in which the optical disk 60 is divided intothree regions: a region A (RA), a region B (RB), and a region C (RC).The optical disk 60 is divided so that each region has a predetermineddistance (radius r) from the rotation center. Each region spreadsconcentrically on the optical disk 60. More specifically, the regionsRA, RB, and RC are partitioned by a circumference determined by apredetermined radius r. For example, with an optical disk having aradius r of 30 to 60 mm, the regions RA and RB should be partitioned bya circumference with a radius of 40 mm, and the regions RB and RC arepartitioned by a circumference with a radius of 50 mm. As describedabove, it is preferable that the respective regions are partitioned sothat the regions are formed as concentric circles around the rotationcenter.

The optical disk 60 is divided into regions as described above. Inrecording, the optical disk 60 is rotated at a rotation rate where anangular velocity becomes lower toward a region of a track on an outercircumference. For example, when an optical disk divided as describedabove is rotated at 1800 rpm in the region RA, 1350 rpm in the regionRB, and 1080 rpm in the region RC, a relative linear velocity (scanningspeed) of a track to be recorded and a light beam falls in a range of5.6 to 7.5 m/s in RA, 5.7 to 7.1 mls in RB, and 5.7 to 6.8 m/s in RC.That is, a range of a relative linear velocity of a track to be recordedand a recording head becomes substantially the same in the respectiveregions.

In general, when information is recorded on an optical disk, recordingconditions such as the intensity of a recording light beam, and arecording pulse depend upon a linear velocity largely. However, when therange of a linear velocity is set to be substantially the same,information can be recorded under substantially the same recordingcondition. It is preferable that the difference in linear velocity ofthe respective regions is set to be at most 2 m/s.

A procedure of recording/reproducing information with respect to theoptical disk 60 shown in FIG. 7 will be described with reference to aflow chart in FIG. 8.

When the optical disk 60 is loaded in an optical recording apparatus 2(optical recording medium loading step 201), a lead-in region isreproduced in a lead-in reproduction step 301 after a reproduction lightpower setting step 202 and a reproduction servo learning step 203. In arecording possibility determination step 701, the state of the recordingidentifier 62 is detected.

When it is determined in the recording possibility determination step701 that recording is not prohibited (No), the process proceeds to aregion rotation rate setting step 702, and the optical recordingapparatus 2 is put in a mode of altering the setting of a rotation speedin accordance with each region, as described above. In the subsequentrecording/reproducing step 703, for example, a boot-up step forreproducing information preferentially (each step described inEmbodiment 1, or a range A in FIG. 3 described in Embodiment 2 or eachstep in a range B in FIG. 4) is conducted, and the optical diskapparatus 2 is put in a standby state for recording/reproducinginformation.

On the other hand, when it is determined in the recording possibilitydetermination step 701 that recording is prohibited (Yes), the processproceeds to a constant rotation rate control step 704, and the opticalrecording apparatus 2 is put in a mode of rotating the optical disk 60at a constant rotation rate (for example, in all the regions RA, RB, andRC in FIG. 7) irrespective of a region. In the subsequent informationreproduction step 705, information recorded on the optical disk 60 isreproduced at a constant rotation rate, and thereafter, the opticalrecording apparatus 2 is put in a standby state.

Here, reflected light of a light beam radiated onto the optical disk 60is detected, and recorded information is reproduced based on the change.Therefore, even when a linear velocity is changed, it is not required tochange a condition of the output of a light beam and the like. Morespecifically, as described in the present embodiment, when the opticaldisk 60 is write-protected, only reproduction of information isconducted, so that it is not required to alter a rotation speeddepending upon each region. As a result, a control time required foraltering the rotation speed of the optical disk can be omitted, andinformation of the optical disk can be searched at a high speed.

In the present embodiment, the optical disk is divided into threeregions. However, the following may be possible: the optical disk isdivided into further regions, and when it is determined that recordingis prohibited and a light beam moves over a predetermined number or moreof regions, the rotation rate is altered. In this case, the variation ina linear velocity in the same region becomes further smaller whenrecording is possible, and the rotation rate is altered only when alight beam moves over a predetermined number or more of regions in thecase of write-protection. Therefore, the frequency of altering therotation rate during reproduction becomes small. Accordingly, a time forsearching an arbitrary track can be shortened.

The invention may be embodied in other forms without departing from thespirit or essential characteristics thereof. The embodiments disclosedin this application are to be considered in all respects as illustrativeand not limiting. The scope of the invention is indicated by theappended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and allchanges which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of theclaims are intended to be embraced therein.

1. An optical recording/reproducing method for optically recording orreproducing information with respect to an optical recording medium byusing an optical recording apparatus, comprising: a loading step ofloading the optical recording medium in the optical recording apparatus;a reproduction power setting step of setting a power of laser lightemitted from the optical recording apparatus to the optical recordingmedium at reproduction power; a management information reproduction stepof reproducing management information for managing use informationrecorded on the optical recording medium with laser light having thereproduction power; and a recording learning step of extracting arecording condition suitable for the optical recording medium, whereinthe recording learning step is conducted after the managementinformation reproduction step.
 2. An optical recording/reproducingmethod according to claim 1, wherein the recording learning step is atleast one selected from the group consisting of a recording powerlearning step of extracting a laser emission power suitable for theoptical recording medium, a recording pulse learning step of extractinga recording pulse condition suitable for the optical recording medium, arecording servo learning step of extracting a servo condition suitablefor the optical recording medium during recording, a groove parameterlearning step of determining a groove parameter of the optical recordingmedium, and an equalizing amount learning step of determining anequalizing amount with respect to the optical recording medium.
 3. Anoptical recording/reproducing method for optically recording orreproducing information with respect to an optical recording medium byusing an optical recording apparatus, comprising: a loading step ofloading the optical recording medium in the optical recording apparatus;a reproduction power setting step of setting a power of laser lightemitted from the optical recording apparatus to the optical recordingmedium at reproduction power; and a recording possibility identifyingstep of identifying a possibility of recording information on theoptical recording medium, based on a recording identifier, wherein, whenprohibition of recording is identified in the recording possibilityidentifying step, a process proceeds to a user information reproductionstep of reproducing user information recorded on the optical recordingmedium with laser light having the reproduction power, or a reproductionstandby step of waiting for a request for reproduction of the userinformation, and when permission of recording is identified in therecording possibility identifying step, a management informationreproduction step of reproducing management information for managinguser information recorded on the optical recording medium with laserlight having the reproduction power, and then a recording learning stepof extracting a recording condition suitable for the optical recordingmedium are conducted.
 4. An optical recording/reproducing methodaccording to claim 3, wherein the recording identifier is provided atthe optical recording medium.
 5. An optical recording/reproducing methodaccording to claim 3, wherein the recording identifier is provided at acase accommodating the optical recording medium.
 6. An opticalrecording/reproducing method according to claim 3, wherein the recordingidentifier includes a first recording identifier provided at the opticalrecording medium and a second recording identifier provided at a caseaccommodating the optical recording medium.
 7. An opticalrecording/reproducing method according to claim 3, wherein the recordinglearning step is at least one selected from the group consisting of arecording power learning step of extracting a laser emission powersuitable for the optical recording medium, a recording pulse learningstep of extracting a recording pulse condition suitable for the opticalrecording medium, a recording servo learning step of extracting a servocondition suitable for the optical recording medium during recording, agroove parameter learning step of determining a groove parameter of theoptical recording medium, and an equalizing amount learning step ofdetermining an equalizing amount with respect to the optical recordingmedium.
 8. An optical recording apparatus for optically recording orreproducing information with respect to an optical recording medium,comprising: loading means for loading the optical recording medium; anoptical head for emitting laser light to the loaded optical recordingmedium; reproduction power setting means for setting a power of thelaser light at reproduction power; information reproduction means forreproducing information recorded on the optical recording medium, withlaser light having the reproduction power; recording learning means forextracting a recording condition suitable for the optical recordingmedium; and control means for allowing the information reproductionmeans to reproduce management information for managing user informationrecorded on the optical recording medium, and then, operating therecording learning means.
 9. An optical recording apparatus according toclaim 8, wherein the recording learning means is at least one selectedfrom the group consisting of recording power learning means forextracting a laser emission power suitable for the optical recordingmedium, recording pulse learning means for extracting a recording pulsecondition suitable for the optical recording medium, recording servolearning means for extracting a servo condition suitable for the opticalrecording medium during recording, groove parameter learning means fordetermining a groove parameter of the optical recording medium, andequalizing amount learning means for determining an equalizing amountwith respect to the optical recording medium.
 10. An optical recordingapparatus for optically recording or reproducing information withrespect to an optical recording medium, comprising: loading means forloading the optical recording medium; an optical head for emitting laserlight to the loaded optical recording medium; reproduction power settingmeans for setting a power of the laser light at reproduction power;recording possibility identifying means for identifying a possibility ofrecording information on the optical recording medium based on arecording identifier; information reproduction means for reproducinginformation recorded on the optical recording medium with laser lighthaving the reproduction power; recording learning means for extracting arecording condition suitable for the optical recording medium; andcontrol means for, when prohibition of recording is identified by therecording possibility identifying means, operating the informationreproduction means immediately after completion of an operation of therecording possibility identifying means and the reproduction powersetting means, or in response to a request for reproduction of theinformation after completion of operations of the recording possibilityidentifying means and the reproduction power setting means, and, whenpermission of recording is identified by the recording possibilityidentifying means, after completion of operations of the reproductionpower setting means and the recording possibility identifying means,allowing the information reproduction means to reproduce managementinformation for managing user information recorded on the opticalrecording medium, and then, operating the recording learning means. 11.An optical recording/reproducing method according to claim 10, whereinthe recording identifier is provided at the optical recording medium.12. An optical recording/reproducing method according to claim 10,wherein the recording identifier is provided at a case accommodating theoptical recording medium.
 13. An optical recording/reproducing methodaccording to claim 10, wherein the recording identifier comprises afirst recording identifier provided at the optical recording medium anda second recording identifier provided at a case accommodating theoptical recording medium.
 14. An optical recording apparatus accordingto claim 10, wherein the recording learning means is at least oneselected from the group consisting of recording power learning means forextracting a laser emission power suitable for the optical recordingmedium, recording pulse learning means for extracting a recording pulsecondition suitable for the optical recording medium, recording servolearning means for extracting a servo condition suitable for the opticalrecording medium during recording, a groove parameter learning means fordetermining a groove parameter of the optical recording medium, andequalizing amount learning means for determining an equalizing amountwith respect to the optical recording medium.